Book Review: Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction

Authors: Hughes, P. & Ferret, E.
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann (Elsevier)

[For your convenience, you can find links to the product at Amazon.co.uk (UK residents) and Amazon.com (US residents) at the end of this article.]


This book is, without a doubt, THE standard text for anyone interested in taking the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety and Health, or anyone who develops work in the construction business: Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction (3rd Edition). Based on the Qualification and Curriculum Authority, it is a whooping 624 pages, with diverse chapters that even discuss study techniques and practice NEBOSH questions for each material.

In my opinion, it is a well designed resource both for students and professionals, making it a worthy resource for just about everyone. Fortunately, it does not make for boring read, being composed by clear text suitably accompanied by images and graphics to illustrate the discussed materials. Most topics include bulleted lists for easy reference and memorization. One of its main advantages is the fact that is serves as a handy guide for a vast number of needs in the field, drawing from experience and covering just about everything you're bound to find. The roles of each professional are also discussed, so that every aspect is attended and responsability falls where it is due... a very wise element, in my opinion. Where nothing is left at random, there is a smaller probability for the occurence of any kind of work accident (and if a accident happens, as they often do, consequences will be less severe).

Let's take a look at the topics covered, as described by the index:

- H&S Foundations
- Policy
- Organizing for Health and Safety
- Promoting a Positive H&S Culture
- Risk Assessment
- Principles of Control
- Monitoring Review and Audit
- Incident Investigation, Recording and Reporting
- Construction Law and Management
- Construction Site Issues
- Movement of People and Vehicles - Hazards and Control
- Manual and Mechanical Handling - Hazards and Control
- Work Equipment Hazards and Control
- Electrical Hazards and Control
- Fire Hazards and Control
- Chemical and Biological Health Hazards and Control
- Physical and Psychological Health Hazards and Control
- Working at Height – Hazards and Control
- General Site Issues – Hazards and Control
- Excavation Work and Confined Spaces – Hazards and Control
- Demolition – Hazards and Control
- Summary of the Main Legal Requirements
- International Aspects of H&S in Construction
- Study Skills
- Specimen Answers to NEBOSH Examinations

Quite a broad range of issues discussed, all very relevant and elaborated along the book. Bottom Line: recommended for all students and professionals in this area of work... every member of your team should have one. Especially those with H&S or management responsabilities.


Order it today from Amazon.co.uk:
Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction (3rd Edition)

Or, if you live in the USA, you can order from Amazon.com:
Introduction to Health and Safety in Construction, Third Edition: The handbook for construction professionals and students on NEBOSH and other construction courses

Recommended.